(Cambridge University Press, 2010-12-31T00:00:00Z) Charaklias, N; Raja, Hamzah R. I.; Humphreys, M. L.; Magan, Naresh; Kendall, Catherine
Introduction: Recent advances in electronic nose technology, and successful
clinical applications, are facilitating the development of new methods for
rapid, bedside diagnosis of disease. There is a real clinical need for such new
diagnostic tools in otolaryngology.
Materials and methods: We present a critical review of recent advances in
electronic nose technology and current applications in otolaryngology.
Results: The literature reports evidence of accurate diagnosis of common
otolaryngological conditions such as sinusitis (acute and chronic), chronic
suppurative otitis media, otitis externa and nasal vestibulitis. A significant
recent development is the successful identification of biofilm-producing versus
non-biofilm-producing pseudomonas and staphylococcus species.
Conclusion: Electronic nose technology holds significant potential for enabling
rapid, non-invasive, bedside diagnosis of otolaryngological disease.